BYD NZ bites into ute market with Shark super hybrid

The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid is priced from $69,990.          Photos: BYD NZ

BYD is taking a bite out of the ute market with the introduction of the Shark 6 super hybrid that’s priced from $69,990.

It takes on the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux in the hybrid market, while the Shark has the plug-in factor giving it a 100km fully electric range and 800km on the petrol engine.

The DC fast charge capability also means the vehicle can be recharged from 30 to 80 per cent in only 20 minutes.

The BYD Shark 6 is available in one high-end variant.

The Shark 6 features the Super DM Technology 1.5 Turbo Hybrid four-cylinder high-power engine and electric motors. At the heart of the Super Hybrid DM Technology is an electric-based hybrid system.

This hybrid architecture uses a high-power motor drive and large-capacity battery as its primary power source, and the engine is only used for assistance. This innovative system focuses on efficiency, effortlessly adapting to different driving scenarios. 

BYD Super DM Technology uses a tailor-made version of the highly acclaimed ultra-safe BYD Blade Battery, giving a power capacity of 29.58 kWh.

The BYD Shark 6 has a fully electric range of 100km.

Warren Willmot, BYD NZ Manager said the Shark 6 Super Hybrid Ute represents a “sea change in the way that New Zealand’s most popular vehicle, the Ute, is powered”. 

“The launch of Shark 6 represents not just a pioneering move for one-tonne Utes, but a continued commitment to reducing CO2 emissions in New Zealand. The Shark 6 emits only 46 grams per kilometre, so for traditional Ute drivers, they can have the grunt they’re used to without the guilt.”

The Shark uses the highly acclaimed ultra-safe BYD Blade Battery.

The BYD Shark 6 is available in one high-end variant. The Premium AWD offers a luxurious interior loaded with all the technology including head-up display, a large 15.6” rotating touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates and 12 speaker sound system.

As a bonus, the Shark 6 features BYD’s Vehicle to Load technology meaning the vehicle can charge electrical appliances, such as power tools for the job, computers and gaming consoles, projectors for outdoor cinemas, as well as kettles and barbecues. There is also the option to draw power from the V2L plugs in the tray, while the vehicle is in motion.

The Shark 6 is in New Zealand dealerships in December.

So demanding on your generation either start singing the Jaw’s theme “Da Dum” or “Baby Shark”.